Ranji Trophy: Shardul Thakur smashes quickfire century after Iyer, Rahane's lackluster display

Mumbai's surreal batting depth bailed them out of a spot of bother in the ongoing second semi-final clash against Tamil Nadu at the Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai on Sunday, March 3.

After dismissing Tamil Nadu for 146 in the first innings, Mumbai found themselves reeling at 106/7. Nevertheless, seasoned all-rounder Shardul Thakur stood firm against the Tamil Nadu bowlers, who were operating at full throttle. He stitched a much-needed century stand with wicketkeeper-batter Hardik Tamore to take Mumbai past the 200-run mark.

Thakur scored his half-century off just 58 balls, hitting six fours and two sixes. After Hardik departed for a solid 35, Tanush Kotian, who scored a century in Mumbai's second innings in the quarter-final against Baroda, joined Thakur in the middle. They added 79 off just 96 balls, with 50 of them coming from the bat of the senior pro.

Thakur eventually reached the magical three-figure mark in just 90 balls with a six off left-arm spinner with a lofted off-drive off the bowling of Ajith Ram in the 81st over. Around five overs later, the 32-year-old, who had walked out to bat at No. 9, was dismissed for 109 off just 105 balls. His stunning innings comprised 13 fours and 4 sixes.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Out of favour Shreyas Iyer departs for 3 in semi-final clash against Tamil Nadu

Mumbai were 290/9 when Thakur departed. Pacer Kuldeep Sen took the wicket of the right-handed batter who knicked it to the wicketkeeper, who took a splendid diving catchh to end a remarkable knock under pressure.

Mumbai pile on the runs as Tanush Kotian registers half-century

After his epic century in the quarter-final against Baroda, Kotian continued his excellent batting form and slammed a half-century yet again. The last-wicket partnership with Tushar Deshpande, who also scored a century in the previous encounter, has helped Mumbai get past the 300-run mark.

With the lead nearing 200, Tamil Nadu will have to come up with a monumental effort with the bat in the second innings to make Mumbai bat again. Tamil Nadu skipper R. Sai Kishore has been excellent with the ball, making Hardik his sixth victim in the innings. However, he hasn't received too much support from the other end as neither of his fellow-teammates could pressurise Mumbai with the ball in hand.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Sai Kishore's five-wicket haul propels Tamil Nadu back into contention